Cause Determination of the Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Market Collapse During the Financial Crisis

This paper provides insight into what caused the decline of the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) market during the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Contrary to common perception, the failure of the ARM market cannot be primarily attributed to predatory lending targeting subprime borrowers from low-credit households. This popular narrative is incomplete and disregards some important factors. I present three key factors that challenge the narrative and point to previously undiscussed sources that may have contributed to the ARM market collapse. First, the accusation of predatory lending does not account for other possible causes of mass ARM defaults. Second, the sole focus on the market’s subprime segment disregards the impact of prime ARMs on the market. Third, the narrative’s citation of subprime ARMs having greater delinquency rates and foreclosure numbers fails to recognize the significant percentage increase in prime ARM failures in the years leading up to the crisis, as well the disparity in typical outstanding balances between subprime and prime ARMs.

The impact of inflation on the cost of adjustable-rate mortgages

Aim: To assess how inflation affects the cost of adjustable-rate mortgage from the perspective of personal finances.Design / Research methods: Adjustable-Rate Mortgage simulations were carried out, showing both the nominal and real costs of a mortgage loan. The behavior and the relationship between the inflation rate and WIBOR 3M rate were compared.Conclusions / findings: The analysis shows that the real cost of mortgage decreases with an increase in inflation. During the period under review, inflation declined, reducing both the real and nominal cost of the loan. There was a strong positive correlation between the WIBOR 3M rate and the inflation rate. Equally strong, although a negative correlation was observed between the inflation rate and the real interest rate. With the decline in inflation, real mortgage rates increased, and vice versa. Particular attention was paid to the periods in which inflation was rising. WIBOR 3M rate reacted to this increase to a much lesser extent and with a lag compared to the inflation rate.Originality / value of the article: Considering that forecasts presented by the National Bank of Poland predict inflation growth in the coming years, a thorough examination of the inflation impact on the mortgage costs is an important issue for risk management in households with mortgage.

Exploring the Role of Financial Disclosure Forms in Mortgage Type Selection

The purpose of this study was to determine whether using a financial disclosure form in a controlled setting can influence consumers’ mortgage selection. This study used a 2 × 2 experimental design where participants were assigned randomly to a control or treatment group. Treatment group participants received a Federal Reserve Board document that contained information explaining the difference between an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM). All participants were presented with two distinct scenarios and were asked to determine the most appropriate mortgage for each. Logistic regression results suggested that receiving the Federal Reserve Board document does make a difference in consumers’ mortgage choice in hypothetical scenarios. Financial knowledge and Truth in Lending Act knowledge were also were important predictors.

Financial Literacy and the Use of Interest-Only Mortgages

This study explored the relationship between financial literacy and the use of interest-only mortgages using data from the 2009 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS). A series of analyses were conducted to investigate characteristics associated with the use of an interest-only mortgage as a primary mortgage, as compared to fixed-rate mortgage and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) options. Consistent results indicate the individuals who incorrectly answered questions related to compound interest, mortgages, and diversification were more likely to be using an interest-only mortgage. Respondents with higher reported math skills were less likely to use an interest-only mortgage, whereas individuals with higher levels of financial confidence were more likely to be using one. These results reinforce concerns about a household’s ability to understand and evaluate complex mortgage products.

Simulasi Penghitungan Online Kredit Pemilikan Rumah Bank Xyz Berbasis Web di Portal Finansial www.kontan.co.id

The objective of this study is to develop an online application of mortgage loan simulation. This application is developed based on a web application in order to be accessible anywhere and anytime. This application is expected to help prospective property’s consumers calculate their financial plans related to decisions concerning the amount of down payment, loan term, and the mortgage system model to be selected. There are two models of mortgage in this application. The first is a fixed and cap rate of interest, with the first three years of the mortgage interest rate of 9.75%, the fourth and fifth year interest of 10%, and the sixth year onwards using a rate cap interest with the indication of 12%. The second model is a 2-year fixed rate mortgage with the first two years rate of 8.5% and the third year onwards using adjustable rate mortgage of interest with the indication of 12%. Calculation formula and the interest rates in this application are obtained from Bank XYZ which is in turn applied in collaboration with financial portal www.kontan.co.id. This application has been tested by over 1000 users and the results are well proven and valid.